Animal Pain Awareness Month
Did you know that September is Animal Pain Awareness Month? It’s important to know the warning signs of an animal in pain. In this post we’ll break down the signs and symptoms of pets in pain and how to address them! “According to the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC), more than 45 million household pets suffer from chronic or acute pain, but unlike their human counterparts, they cannot tell us where it hurts.(2)”
Signs that indicate your pet may be in pain:
A decrease or slow down in activity
Weight loss
Loss of appetite / decreased eating and drinking
Changes in urine or bowel movement
Over-grooming or licking a specific area of the body
Growling, hissing or behavior changes
Panting or trouble breathing
Lethargy/loss of interest in social interaction
Limping or stiffness
As you can see, there are numerous small signs that may indicate your pet is hurt or experiencing pain. It’s important to note these signs so that you can get your pet to a vet sooner rather than later when you notice something is wrong. “Veterinarians are encouraged to conduct pain assessment exams as part of regular exams. (2)”
Managing your pet’s pain:
Aside from keeping an eye out for these symptoms, you can also do more things to help manage your pet’s pain: “Adopt a healthy lifestyle for the pet, including low-impact exercise and a healthy diet; keep a record of possible signs and symptoms observed in the pet; and consider non-pharmacologic options (such as Licks!) for pain management, including acupuncture, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF), laser therapy, and chiropractic care.(2)
Other ways to manage your pets pain can include “physical therapy, medications, massage, and laser therapy. Be sure to speak with your vet frequently to learn about managing pain for your pets. (1)”
Have Licks Pain Relief Products on stand by!
Licks Pain Relief for dogs and Ache Aid for cats can help relieve pain as a short term solution until you can get your pet to a veterinary professional.
Licks Pain Relief for dogs contains Aspirin (safe for dogs only) and serves as a fever reducer, relieves temporary pain, and helps diminish discomfort.
Licks Ache Aid for cats is formulated with natural ingredients including a high dosage of Vervian Powder to help temporarily relieve pain and diminish discomfort in cats.